Pipefitting Apprenticeship
Pipefitters have a great long-term job outlook. From growth in new construction to the retirement of Boomer pipefitters, the need for skilled pipefitters is expected to grow in the future, putting them in even higher demand across the U.S.
If you want a career as a pipefitter, you can get the training, skills, and knowledge you need at Utah Career Center. Our cutting-edge pipefitter apprenticeship program has been developed over 70 years, making it one of the nation’s leading training programs feeding the pipefitting industry. Crafted and taught by experienced journeymen, our program offers the perfect blend of hands-on training, real-world experience, and expert instruction.
When you’re ready to join this thriving industry, our pipefitter apprenticeship can be your best option for launching a successful career—and getting paid while getting up to speed!
How Our Pipefitter Apprenticeship & Training Program Works
The pipefitter training program at Utah Career Center balances theory and practical skills with classroom learning and hands-on training in state-of-the-art labs.
Our courses are led by experienced journeymen who offer insider industry knowledge that isn’t available in other training programs. And that’s not all our apprentices get. Through our 5-year program, the apprenticeship offers:
• Three night classes per week
• Small class sizes
• 1800 hours of on-the-job training each year
• Direct access to industry experts
• The ability to practice with the latest tools & equipment
• Competitive pay and benefits
• Traditional summer breaks
• And more
Some of the various things our pipefitter apprentices learn include (but are not limited to):
• CAD drawing
• Layout and detailing
• Pipe threading
• Plasma cutting
• Brazing and soldering
• Mitering and rigging
• Tube Bending
• Welding
• Valve installation and repair
• Job safety requirements
Upon completion of this program, pipefitter apprentices will receive a journey-level status and a completion certificate.
Pipefitter Salaries, Compensation & Benefits
Salaries for pipefitters depend on experience levels, the state in which they are employed, their employment status (as either a contractor or employee), and many other factors.
The pipefitting apprentices at Utah Career Center start out making about 55% of the journeyman’s rate. Currently, our apprentices earn $18.07/hour in wages, plus benefits.
When fully trained and licensed, pipefitters can earn much more. In general, licensed pipefitters start out earning between $40,000 and $45,000/year. Experienced pipefitters can pull in much more, plus health care benefits, retirement contributions, vacation and sick time, and more.
Pipefitter Career Opportunities & Job Outlook
Skilled pipefitters can have several career opportunities, including (but not limited to) jobs in the following industries:
• Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration (HVAC&R)
• Construction
• Pulp and paper
• Primary Steel producers
• Utilities
• Motor vehicle manufacturing
• Metal fabrication
• Oil refinery
Is a Pipefitter Apprenticeship Right for Me?
The pipefitting industry offers an array of earning opportunities and several paths to long, successful careers. Of course, it’s not for everyone. If you’re not sure about whether to pursue a career as a pipefitter, ask yourself these questions:
• Can I work in elevated, enclosed areas?
• Am I physically able to crawl, lift, bend, climb, and/or kneel?
• Can I work in extreme temperature conditions, including outside in the winter and inside during the summer?
• Do I work well independently and on a team?
• Am I comfortable with general math?
• Am I able to regularly work with my hands?
• Do I have decent people and communication skills?
If you answered “yes” to most of these questions, becoming a pipefitter could be a good fit for you!
Take the First Step Towards Becoming a Pipefitter: Contact Us
Find out more about our pipefitter apprenticeship and training programs by contacting the Utah Career Center. We are ready to answer your questions and help you enroll today!
Call 801-295-6198 or contact us online now to get started.
Since 1944, Utah Career Center has been offering exceptional training and apprenticeship programs for an array of industries. Jointly administered by UA Local 140 and the Utah Mechanical Contractors Association, our industry-leading pipefitter training programs have been uniquely developed to instill the latest techniques and best practices across an array of technologies, equipment, tools, and more. Our goal is to develop skilled pipefitters while setting each of our trainees up for success.
Utah Career Center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Stop by today to talk to us in person or pick up an enrollment application—applications are available all year, and no appointments are necessary!